Adult Blog

About the Book

​In the third book in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray's Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, a wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love

Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband's memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?

Emma's gentleness with Jay's boys stirs something in his heart that's been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son's joy, Jay wonders if it's time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.

Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Review

​Award-winning author Shelley Shepard Gray has written yet another beautiful and inspiring story in her latest release, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn, book three in the Amish Pinecraft series. This story has a theme centered on family and blended families and how relationships within these groups develope. Charmingly written, with delightful characters and an enchanting storyline taking place once again in Pinecraft, this novel is one readers can relate to and will want to read many times over. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy inspiration Amish-romance fiction.

Giveaway from LitFuse

About the Book

Three years ago, the small town of Britteridge was rocked by the senseless murder of Gail Ludlum. Now the people most affected by the tragedy have returned to the place where it all began, and the scene is set for the perfect revenge . . .
​
Megan O’Connor’s life was shattered when she was unwittingly drawn into a kidnapping plot that ultimately led to the murder of an innocent woman. Though the road to redemption has been long, she’s finally found happiness with her recent engagement to a wonderful man, a pillar of the community. But amid the chaos of wedding planning, the return of Gail Ludlum’s son to Britteridge sets in motion a disturbing sequence of events. Soon Megan finds herself the victim of a series of cruel deceptions that indicate one thing: her past mistakes have not been forgiven or forgotten. As the mischief escalates to dangerous levels, it becomes clear that someone is determined to avenge Gail’s death. And he won’t rest until he’s taken a life for a life.

About the Author

​Stephanie Black has loved books since she was old enough to grab the pages and has enjoyed creating make-believe adventures since she and her sisters were inventing long Barbie games filled with intrigue and danger or running around, pretending to be detectives. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner for Best Mystery/Suspense Novel and A Whitney Award finalist for Best Speculative Novel.

Stephanie was born in Utah and has lived in various places, including Arkansas, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Limerick, Ireland. She currently lives in northern California, plays the violin in a community symphony but never practices enough, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and her family. She is a fan of dark chocolate, homemade chocolate chip cookies, and putting chocolate chips in banana bread.

Stephane enjoys hearing from readers. You can contact her via e-mail at info@covenant-lds.com or by mail care of Covenant Communications, 920 E. State Rd., Ste. F, P.O. Box 416, American Fork, UT 84003-0416.

From page one Stephanie Black’s latest novel, Played for a Fool, will have readers on their toes anxiously awaiting what will happen next. Full of mystery, suspense, with some romance tied in this gripping novel will have readers on the edge of their seats. With a well-developed plot line and characters that readers can relate to, this novel will captivate its readers. Not typically a big suspense reader, I decided to give this novel a try and was not disappointed as I was on the edge of my seat, while being sucked into the story, almost as if it were truly happening. I would highly recommend this novel to readers that enjoy exciting, well-written, mystery, suspense novels.

About the Book

Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marcus, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.

When Marcus accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marcus is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

About the Author

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She is a founding member and the coordinator of the Regency Reflections blog and lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

Review

Full of excitement, mystery, and adventure, Kristi Ann Hunter’s first novel in the Hawthorne House series, A Noble Masquerade, is a major hit! With gripping characters and a dazzling, enjoyable, and well-developed storyline, readers will not be able to put this delightful historical fiction, regency novel down. This novel will capture reader’s attention, causing them to sit for hours to see what happens next. Readers that enjoy historical and regency fiction will be thoroughly delighted with Kristi’s novel.

About the Book

In a 1958 West German village, twenty-one-year-old German police officer Walter Hofmann wants nothing more than to dance to the latest rock ‘n’ roll tunes at the nearby American air base. But the girls flock to the easy-going GIs, their dollars, and their fancy cars. Worse yet, the entire country—including his younger sister—is ecstatic about the recent arrival of Private Elvis Presley.

Old World values and New World pop culture clash, even before a young woman gets killed near the base and the military arrests Walter’s GI friend Jeff for murder. Walter believes in Jeff’s innocence, even after he learns that Jeff has won the heart of the girl he secretly adores. While Walter and his partner are on the trail of an elusive killer, his sister disappears in an attempt to see the famous singer and Walter races to her rescue before she becomes the next victim.

Excerpt

​Walter was late again. His friend had already left by the time he arrived at Fritz’s house. And all because two neighbors could not decide who owned the apples from the tree that bordered their properties. It took Walter and his police partner Schlosser two hours to settle the dispute by extending the property line vertically, which put them well into overtime.

The concert was supposed to begin at eight o’clock. Walter rode his secondhand bicycle into the parking lot of the Enlisted Club, where his dynamo-powered light reflected off the chrome bumpers of the Chevrolets and Fords of the Americans. After backpedaling to brake and locking the front to the bike rack at the far end of the club, Walter bent and removed the cycle clips from his trousers. He brushed his pant legs until he was satisfied that they were not dusty anymore. Walter wanted to look his best just in case he met a girl tonight.

He whistled “All Shook Up” as he strolled toward the brightly lit entrance of the club. He walked by a group of GIs lingering under the red canopy, smoking and laughing with their friends, and opened the double door. Inside, he drew in the chatter of the boisterous crowd as if it was fresh air.

Ah, Saturday night! The long work week was over and he could finally enjoy himself like every other youth in the village. He made his way to the bar, where he paused to scan the crowd. As he had feared, he did not detect one empty chair.

The German emcee stepped to the microphone and spread his right arm to take in the stage. “Meine Damen und Herren! Ladies and gentlemen! Let’s welcome The Trotters, fresh from America, for their first concert at Lauterbach Air Base.”

Whistles pierced the smoke-filled club, causing Walter to erupt in appreciative laughter. He lifted his hands into the air and clapped until it hurt. The master of ceremonies stepped back while the maroon velvet curtain slowly revealed the band. Walter craned his neck to view the musicians. The four male singers wore matching white jackets that glittered silvery in the dimmed light, accentuating their ebony skin.

The oldest of the three bartenders, dressed in a white shirt and a thin tie, placed a cardboard coaster in front of Walter. “Good evening, Herr Hofmann,” he said. “What can I bring you?”

“I’ll have a Parkbräu.” Walter began to sway his upper body to the tune of “She’s All Yours.” After the applause faded away, he gazed across the room again, searching for acquaintances. Where might his friends be? Perhaps he would have better luck waiting for them to step up to the bar instead of trying to find them in the crowd. He put his bottle on the counter and rested his shoulders against the bar. A young German woman sat on the barstool closest to him. Her curly brown hair framed an oval face with lively, amber-colored eyes. Walter cleared his throat and stood up erect. It was now or never.

Her mouth formed a wide smile as she waved at someone behind him. He glanced over his shoulder to see a GI in civilian clothes approach her.

“Hello,” the American said, taking her hands in his. She rose to dance with him and Walter plunked down on the vacant barstool. He smacked his fist on the counter. Was he never going to find a girl? Just what did this lanky fellow, with his crew cut and clean-shaven face, have that he did not? Other than dollars, a car, and all the latest rock ‘n’ roll records, of course.

About the Author

Doris Dumrauf grew up in the West German state of Rheinland-Pfalz, a region with a huge concentration of U.S. military bases. She worked as an administrative clerk on a U.S. air base for many years. After moving to the United States, Doris published numerous articles in magazines and newspapers while working on her novel. Doris Dumrauf is also an award-winning nature photographer and public speaker.

Review

​Author Doris Dumrauf has written a captivating story of adventure and mystery that includes kidnappings of police men and a police man’s sister, as well as a murder in her historical fiction novel, Oktober Heat. Taking place in 1958 Germany on an U.S. army base, this novel is filled with rich characters and a well-developed plot line that readers will enjoy. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy a deeply developed historical fiction.

About the Book

​Penny Troyer never disobeys her parents. But tonight she's bending the rules because Michael Knoxx—the most famous member of the Knoxx Family, a traveling Mennonite evangelical family—is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him . . . even if it means challenging her parents' strict rules and taking the first step toward her own independence.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest . . . to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers that Penny has also survived a terrible ordeal.

But as Michael's time in Pinecraft comes to an end, Michael and Penny are left to wonder what kind of future they could possibly have together. Are they brave enough to take the chance given to them? Or will they choose to cling to what is familiar, even if it pushes away their dream of happiness?

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Review

Book two, The Proposal at Siesta Key, in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series by Shelley Shepard Gray is an absolute delight. This novel discusses struggles, pain, and how to overcome these, as well as friendship blossoming in to love. Shelley has once again crafted a story that will inspire readers, wanting to read it once, then turn around and read it again. Pinecraft is a place that readers can enter as they enjoy this next edition of this heart-warming series. I would recommend this novel to fans of Shelley’s other novels, as well as to those that love romance and Amish-fiction.

About the Book

​​The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn't know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it's not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player--whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field--they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

With the flair that has made her Last Chance books a favorite among readers of contemporary fiction, Cathleen Armstrong draws on the passion Americans have for the traditions of small-town high school football.

About the Author

Cathleen Armstrong lives in Orange County, California, with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Her debut novel, Welcome to Last Chance, won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women’s fiction.

Review

Readers will fall in love Cathleen Armstrong’s latest realistic inspirational novel in the A Place to Call Home series. This novel has characters that readers will easily relate to as a town comes together in their love of football. They must also come to accept the new doctor, Dr. Jessica MacLeod, who doesn’t particularly enjoy football, but must come to understand the community’s love of the game. This novel has themes of community involvement, budding relationships, and love. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy quick-light contemporary, realistic, inspirational, Christian fiction.

About the Book

​The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.

About the Author

​Award-winning author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

Review

​​Award-winning author Laura Frantz has once again written an enthralling and captivating novel that readers, starting from page one, will without a doubt love. Taking place at the end of the Revolutionary War, this historical-fiction novel is full of beautifully developed characters that will touch your heart, as well as a delightful storyline that readers will not be able to put down. I highly recommend this novel to readers that love Christian, historical fiction, romance novels.

Giveaway

About the Book

Adventure is in her blood, so when wealthy eighteen-year-old Rachel Hamilton’s treasure-hunting father disappears in the wilderness of British Columbia, she considers only one course of action: she will embark on a quest to find him. But for a well-bred woman with little understanding of the world beyond her upper-class existence, the harsh realities of the trail quickly become apparent. Woefully unprepared for the hardships of crossing a wild and unsettled continent, Rachel is hungry, lost, and distraught when handsome frontiersman Peter finds her in the middle of nowhere. Taking pity on the downtrodden young woman, Peter promises to escort her to the safety of civilization. Little does he realize he’s taking on a naïve and foolishly brave girl who will test the limits of his patience. But he also discovers the same naïve girl will blossom into a strong, competent, and captivating woman as they undertake an epic journey that will forever alter both their lives.

About the Author

Kristen Garner McKendrybegan writing in her teens, and her work has been published in both Canada and the U.S. She received a Mississauga Arts Council MARTY Award in Established Literacy Arts in 2012, and her book Garden Plot was nominated in 2011 for a Whitney Award for excellence in LDS literature.

Kristen received a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from Brigham Young University and has always been a voracious reader. She has a strong interest in urban agriculture and environmental issues. She enjoys playing the bagpipes, learning obscure languages, growing wheat in the backyard, and making cheese. A native of Utah and mother of three, she now resides with her family in Canada. The idea for this story (Heart’s Journey) came while she was reading about adventures in the Yukon and British Columbia and wishing she could join them.

Review

Author Kristen McKendry has written an inspiring and touching novel in her latest release, Heart’s Journey. Full adventure, mishaps, and romance, readers will fall in love with this well-written story, as well as the delightfully-crafted characters as they trek across the country in the wilderness of British Columbia. Not only will this novel touch the heart of its readers, but will leave them longing for an exciting adventure of their own. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy both adventure and romance.

About the Book

“Meeting him was fate, loving him was a choice, and spending the rest of my life with him… well that was destiny.”

At the brink of adulthood Jess thought she had it all figured out, that was until her parents split and her mom whisked her away to the middle of nowhere. Her Grandpa’s farm was the last place on earth she wanted to be, and with no cell phones, internet or cable she was destined for a summer of boredom.

Man of Her Dreams Clint Foster, the man who has everything going for him. Successful, charming and downright gorgeous; Clint’s the man she can see a future with. The only problem is her Grandpa’s farmhand Levi keeps getting in her way.

Trading in rock concerts for chicken coops and sneakers for cowboy boots; join Jess as she finds love in the unexpected places.

About the Author

T.K. Chapin writes Contemporary Christian Romance books designed to inspire and tug on your heart strings. He believes that telling Contemporary Christian Romance stories of faith, love and family help build the faith of Christians and help non-believers see how God can work in the life of believers. He gives all credit for his writing and storytelling ability to God. The majority of the Contemporary Christian Romance novels take place in and around Spokane Washington, his hometown. Chapin makes his home in the Pacific Northwest and has the pleasure of raising his daughter with his beautiful wife Crystal.

Review

Book one in T.K. Chapin’s Love’s Enduring Promise series, The Perfect Cast, teaches readers about some of life’s greatest challenges, heartaches, losses, friendship, and love. From the perspective of three different characters Jess, Roy, and Levi, capturing the attention of readers as they connect not only with these characters, but with the beautiful story. As readers are drawn into this inspiring story, they will come to know and better understand the unique and sometimes complicated relationships between the characters. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy contemporary-romance Christian fiction.